CHEM 1010      Introduction to Chemistry (Online)



Credits:   3.0

Taught by:   David Feller

Semesters offered:   Fall, Spring

Formats:   Online

General education requirements fulfilled:   PS - Physical Science

Course Description:

This course fills one of the General Education requirements in the area of Sciences at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. It is intented for non-science majors. This course covers basic general, organic, and biochemistry. Students will have a knowledge of chemicals around them in their everyday lives.

Course Objectives:

The purpose of CHEM 1010 is to help you to gain an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry and how to apply them to the world around you. You should gain an appreciation for the role that chemistry plays in society , and be prepared to make wise chemical decisions both in your own life and as a voting citizen.

This course fills a physical science (PS) general education requirement. It is NOT designed for science, nursing, or pre-med majors and will not fulfill requirements in those majors. If you are confused about which class you should take, please contact the instructor immediately.

After completing any physical science elective course, you should be able to:
- Explain and apply major concepts in the physical sciences.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the process of science.
- Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.

After completing this course, you should have filled the following general objectives:
- Explain and apply the major principles and vocabulary of chemistry, including how matter is organized into atoms and compounds.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills such as drawing a electron dot structure for a covalent compound and recognizing organic functional groups in a larger molecule.
- Identify and explain applications of chemical concepts to aspects of your every day lives, as well as larger issues of global significance.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of proper experimentation in the discovery and acceptance of chemical principles.

Specific topics that will be understood by the students upon completion of this course are:

1. the world around them from the basic material all matter is made of: atoms.

2. the metric system of measurement.

3. the types of compounds and the bonding involved in these compounds, as well as the nomenclature used for each type of compound.

4. acids and bases around them and how they relate to the pH scale.

5. how organic chemicals are a part of biochemistry, foods, drugs, plastic polymers, and household chemicals.

6. the chemistry of atomic nuclei and how it can help their lives.


Required Materials
A computer with internet access, using a WebCT validated web browser.
A basic chemistry textbook is optional